Biofuels Processing Technicians
Calculate, measure, load, mix, and process refined feedstock with additives in fermentation or reaction process vessels and monitor production process. Perform, and keep records of, plant maintenance, repairs, and safety inspections.
Also called: Biodiesel Process Control Technician, Biodiesel Processing Technician, Biodiesel Production Associate, Biodiesel Production Technician, Biofuels Data Scientist, Biofuels Processing Technician
Median pay
$62,470
Pay for the broader BLS group “Plant and System Operators, All Other”
Pay range (10th–90th)
$40,700 – $94,560
People employed
14,080
Whole BLS group
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 2.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 3.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
- 4.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 5.Are you happy talking and working with people most of the day?
- 6.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
The hard parts
- Exposure to hazardous conditions
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
Biofuels Processing Technicians pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (44 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025, for the broader group “Plant and System Operators, All Other”.
What biofuels processing technicians do
- 01Monitor batch, continuous flow, or hybrid biofuels production processes.
- 02Operate valves, pumps, engines, or generators to control and adjust biofuels production.
- 03Monitor and record biofuels processing data.
- 04Collect biofuels samples and perform routine laboratory tests or analyses to assess biofuels quality.
- 05Operate equipment, such as a centrifuge, to extract biofuels products and secondary by-products or reusable fractions.
- 06Process refined feedstock with additives in fermentation or reaction process vessels.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
Knowledge
- Production and Processing
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Chemistry
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from biofuels processing technicians
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders86% · —
- Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators86% · —
- Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders86% · —
- Geothermal Technicians82% · group pay
- Wellhead Pumpers82% · —
Change into biofuels processing technicians
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders83% · $58,040
- Wellhead Pumpers81% · $69,960
- Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders80% · $48,540
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders79% · $43,220
- Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders79% · $51,610